The men and women who travel across our country on the rodeo circuit are tight-knit community. Miss Rodeo Colorado, Madelaine Mills, and the Miss Rodeo Colorado Organization reacted to the senseless death of a beautiful young lady who left us way too early.

I talked with Madelaine last night and Tara Carleo from the Miss Rodeo Colorado Organization and they game me permission to share this heart-felt statement that appeared on their Facebook page:

This past weekend, the Miss Rodeo Colorado Organization was troubled when we heard of the disappearance of Boulder County Lady-in-Waiting, Ashley Doolitte. As news unfolded, and the identity of her body was confirmed, we became absolutely heartbroken for all those involved in this senseless and tragic crime.

Our hearts go out to Ashley Doolittle's family who are experiencing a kind of loss we can't even imagine. We also recognize that this will be a very difficult time for all the local royalty who have grown to know and love her as part of their extended rodeo family. As much of the local royalty who she traveled with will be attending the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant, we plan to hold a moment of silence in her honor during our kick off event to allow each and everyone in attendance to reflect on her beautiful life and all that she touched while she was here. She was a beautiful and talented young woman and will be remembered and missed deeply within our organization and community.